Amazon launches electronics Trade-In program in beta

Amazon has announced the Electronics Trade-In Store, which lets you trade in used electronics for Amazon.com Gift Cards. The Electronics Trade-In Store enhances Amazon's existing Trade-In program, giving you the ability to get rid of everything from video games and DVDs to textbooks and now electronics.

Customers can trade in electronics, including tablets, cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, GPS devices, and so on, regardless of where the products were originally purchased from. With Amazon Trade-In, only one box is needed to ship multiple items and shipping is free. To start searching for items to trade in, start at amazon.com/tradein. Interestingly, although Amazon does not mention it, the website clearly states that the service is currently in beta.

If a product is listed as eligible for trade-in, then you can click the Trade-In button to add items to your shipment. Amazon's Trade-In program offers three condition types: Like New, Good, and Acceptable. Once you have added all the items you would like to trade in, you can print a pre-paid shipping label and ship everything for free. After the product is received and inspected, an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your Amazon.com account, generally in less than 48 hours.

"Technology is constantly evolving and newer, better versions of consumer electronics are introduced all the time," Paul Ryder, vice president of Electronics for Amazon.com, said in a statement. "We want to give customers the opportunity to get great value from their used electronics. Hundreds of thousands of customers have already received millions of dollars in gift cards from the other products in our program. The Electronics category is a natural extension and we are delighted to offer our customers more trade-in options."

Earlier this year, Best Buy launched its Buy Back Program. Unfortunately, Best Buy charges the customer to use the program. Amazon isn't doing this, although you might find it a hassle to have to ship your items as opposed to simply being able to walk into a store. Either way, both are offering gift cards, which is only really worth it if you shop a lot at the given retailer.